THE newsvine “Every page an altar to His works!”
Fall/Winter 2018 REVIVAL CENTER UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
EXPANDED ISSUE
A Word from the Editors
825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Business Phone: 209-522-5365
email us at thenewsvine@gmail.com
Google us at thenewsvine or follow us on issuu.com/thenewsvine EDITOR LEO AGUILERA
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Assist. Ed. Multi-media Business LiaisonS GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS ColumnistS YOUTH REPORTER MAILINGS DISTRIBUTION
Virginia Aguilera Joshua Aguilera Charlene Wilson Leo & Virginia Aguilera Leo Aguilera, Grover Hunt Gabriel Chavoya Jim Campbell, Carol Castillo Alexis Diaz Virginia Aguilera Norbert Feliciano
Church staff PASTOR H. TODD JOHNSON BISHOP RANDY G. KEYES
PULPIT STAFF MINISTERS Dana Le Blanc Jerry Powell Ravind Narayan Jonathan Quinones Uday Narayan Jeremiah Williams Administrative pastor Jonathan Quinones church secretary Charlene Wilson resident missionaries Uday Narayan, Ravind Narayan, Xenn Seah Youth Leader - p.u.l.s.e. Joshua Aguilera SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR Mary Aguirre K.R.E.W. Kids director Kim Johnson prayer ministries Charles Bispo Choir Kellee Hopper, Matt Aguirre world missionS Jerry & Andrea Powell advanced modesto Carol Castillo initiative director OUTREACH director Life groups public relations apostolic man ministry B.U.F.F.(Men’s 50+) HYPHEN (Young Adults) THRIVE (Young Marrieds) spanish services Nursing Home Ministry BIBLE QUIZZING GROWTH TRACK
SUNDAY - 9:30 A.M. 9:45 A.M. 10:30 A.M. 12:15 P>M> 2:00 A.M. 5.30 P.M. 6:00 P.M. MONDAY - 7:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY - 7:00 P.M. THURSDAY - 7:30 P.M. Thursday - 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY - 10:00 A.M.
Leonard Alvarez Jonathan Quinones Jeremiah Williams Alex Diaz, Andrew Amador Herb Jenkins Jeriann Powell Aaron & Shannon Gomez Antonio Gutierrez Joyce Jones Sujay Diaz Dana Le Blanc Sunday School-Children - Tuolumne Sunday School - Adults - Sanctuary Morning Service - Sanctuary Growth Track Spanish Service Prayer in Youth Chapel REVIVAL SERVICE All-Church Prayer Mid-Week Service, K.R.E.W Pulse (Youth Service) Spanish Service Saturday Morning Outreach
THE NEWSVINE is published quarterly by the United Pentecostal Church of Modesto, Inc., 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Postage paid at 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Newsvine, 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Any submitted articles to the Newsvine are subject to Pastor’s approval and editing by The Newsvine staff.
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Seasons Greetings
uring this Christmas season, most of us are preoccupied with all of the preparations for the 25th and the new year. There are plans made for gift-giving, family reunions, decorations, and special gestures of kindness. But these preoccupations should not stop the work for the kingdom of God. Serving our Lord and Savior should be our first priority during this season. We should all take advantage of the opportunity to witness to our loved ones and even casual acquaintances about our Christian testimonies of why we celebrate why He is the reason for the season. On behalf of The Newsvine staff, we would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year. Among all the gift-giving we will do, let us be sure to give Him the gift of ourselves. Maranatha, the Lord cometh!
EDITORS Leo and Virginia Aguilera
WHY ALL APOSTOLIC CHRISTIANS NEED TO EVANGELIZE! WE ARE COMMANDED BY CHRIST! “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:19, 20, KJV)
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as the Great Commission our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us become the GREAT OMISSION in many of our churches today, or even a personal shortcoming for us as individuals? Personal evangelism and church outreach should be one of the supreme priorities for every congregation and every member in our Christian fellowship. Christ is our example as he tirelessly spread the Gospel everyday of His ministry. To be Christlike is to evangelize! After Jesus discipled his followers, he sent them out periodically to preach and teach the Good News with the anointing to heal the sick and possessed. Many times we read in the Gospels their good and joyful reports when they returned to Jesus (Luke 10:17). We as Christians today need to follow their example. In our praise and prayers to our Lord and Savior we should give thanks for those we witnessed to and report to our church members the good contacts we made to save lost souls. There is no greater joy than to see the one with whom you shared the Gospel come in to church and raise holy hands in repentance, then is baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost! There should never be discrimination with whom you evangelize for the Great Commission says “ALL NATIONS.” We read in Revelations 7:9,10 (KJV): “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” Those of us who will be in that great congregational service in the future will be praising our Saviour for salvation with every nationality surrounding us. Who will get them there? We who are Apostolic Christians today! The Lord needs to use us as laborers to sow the Word in the
great harvest of souls on this globe. THE CONSEQUENCES OF OMISSION I remember a few years back a former neighbor of mine came to me with a brochure she designed introducing her church from one of a mainline denomination in our city. The brochure was produced to recruit a new pastor. I noticed she had no information about church outreach. I asked her wouldn’t a new pastor want to know about evangelizing new members, specifically diverse groups including minorities and the down and out. She looked at me and said with conviction, “Oh no, our church is looking for members from a more professional background.” I turned away shaking my head. This denomination is one of many who are loosing members by the score, with no younger generation remaining to replace attrition. Those who say they are Christians but do not believe or practice personal evangelism are risking spiritual death. Churches who do not actively recruit in soul-winning, or have no programs of local or missionary outreach, or have pastors who do not direct their members to invite loved ones or friends who need to be saved, risk the spiritual death of their congregations. Many of these churches have in-fighting, petty preferences between members, power struggles, seditions, and jealousy. These congregations lack diversity and do not have a welcoming attitude for outsiders. They are in danger of apostasy, accepting worldly standards and practices, and falling away from Apostolic doctrine by compromising Biblical tenants. They have failed the second Great Commandment from our Lord Jesus: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matt. 22:40) THE JOYS OF EVANGELIZING For those churches who have pastors with a heart and love to reach our to the harvest fields of humanity, these churches and every member are truly blessed. Each individual has the opportunity to volunteer for outreach. They can invite loved one to programs organized by the church to hear evangelists, participate in praise concerts, fellowship with church members, and support missions. These are the Apostolic churches that will continue to grow and create a dynamic spiritual worship whenever it’s time for church. Let’s all go out and win souls for Christ!
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Sister Mildred T. Almond (Editor’s Note: Sister Almond was a great saint who was very active during her years at Revival Center. She participated in fund raising, helping out in the church kitchen making funnel cakes to sell, and was a great prayer warrior who shared the Gospel with all her loved ones and friends. She was especially endeared to this editor for her saving of every Newsvine (over 440 issues through the years) published by our church up until last year. She left them to our staff who placed them in our permanent archives of which some were missing which she replenished. We are grateful to a blessed saint who loved our ministry because she loved our church!)
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ildred Truba Almond was born to Edith Mae and Carl Ezra Johnson on July 31, 1926, in Calvin, Oklahoma. She was raised in a small town, and at the tender age of sixteen, she married Gleason Almond. She soon gave birth to three children: Wanda, Patricia (“Patty”), and Alvin. In 1962, Mildred moved with her husband from North Dakota to Henderson, Nevada, where she worked for a number of years as a hotel housekeeper. While on vacation in Modesto, California, one summer, she attended the United Pentecostal Church in the original Tuolumne property with her mother and brother where she gave her life to the Lord and was baptized in Jesus’ name by then pastor J.E. Rode. Eventually, Mildred and Gleason retired in Modesto where she continued to serve the Lord while attending the United Pentecostal Church of Modesto under the pastorships of Rev. J. D. Dansby, Bishop Randy G. Keyes, and Pastor Todd Johnson. Her greatest joys were attending church, being with her family, working in her garden, and hosting gatherings for Thanksgiving dinners in her home, while her family enjoyed her delicious Southern cooking made 4
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from scratch! Her homemade fudge at Christmas time was a treat beyond compare! She was a praying woman who consistently and earnestly prayed for all her friends and family, often holding powerful prayer meetings in her home with her mother, Sister Edith Johnson, her daughter, and other saints from the church. Sister Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Brother Gleason Almond, her parents, her sister, Geraldine Hayes, and brothers Carol and Kenneth Johnson. She is survived by her children Wanda Johnson and Patricia Pete, both of Modesto and her son Pastor Alvin Almond of Roswell, New Mexico, along with eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, her brothers, Eddie Ray Johnson of Oklahoma, and R.L. Johnson of Soulsbyville, California. She also leaves her adopted daughter in Christ, Sister Joyce Jones, and a host of other relatives and friends. Sister Mildred went to be with the Lord on November 8, 2018. She was ninetytwo years old. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.
Sister Lela E. Powell (Editor’s Note: Sister Powell was a saint to be emulated by all the women of our church. She was an elder who supported the ministry, fanatically faithful in attendance, and a prayer warrior. As Bishop Keyes said of her, “She prayed and was a familiar voice to the Lord! She never complained, cast judgement, and never was a problem under any of her pastors.” What a testimony for a pastor to give. Her family remains very active in our church, inspired by this spiritual matriarch who was faithful to the end!) In the words of her family:
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ela Ernestine Powell was born to Lily and Alonzo Wilson on August 5, 1923, in Modesto, California. 1923. When she was one year old, her parents relocated to Missouri, where she resided until the age of nineteen before moving back to Modesto. Soon after her relocation, she met and married Donald Powell. They built a beautiful life together, raising two wonderful children, Reverend Jerry Powell and Donna Whorton, who blessed them with seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; all of whom she cherished with endless amounts of love and adoration. She began attending church in the early 1950s when she and her mother were baptized in the Tuolumne River by her brother, Alonzo Wilson Jr. who was pastoring the Ceres, California, United Pentecostal Church. When he relocated to Southern California, the Powell family began to attend the United Pentecostal Church on Tuolumne Boulevard under the pastorships of Rev. J.E. Rode, Rev. J.D. Dansby, Bishop Randy G Keyes, and Pastor Todd Johnson. She was a faithful saint for over sixty-five years. Her faith never faltered and her love to work for the church was undisputed. Her greatest pleasure in life was attending church and serving in any capacity she could. She worked many years as the church secretary under Pastor Rode, taught Sunday school for over twenty years, and years later even worked endless hours in our Christian school snack bar with her sweet friend, Sister Bonnie Ketner, making Frito boats, and
spoiling all of her adopted grandchildren with homemade food just because all the “store-bought stuff” was not as good as a home-cooked lunch. Her love for her family and friends is a love that will never be questioned. While each of us have our special memories and relationships with “Granny,” she had an incredible way of making each of us feel like her favorite (Because we were - each one of us!). She loved to spoil her family and friends with her amazing apricot or boysenberry cobblers, German chocolate cake, and impeccably delicious homemade banana pudding. But most of all she prayed. There was not a morning that went by when her Bible was not open, and you could hear the sweet prayers for her family and friends across her lips - prayers that will forever be cherished by us all. Lela was preceded in death by her husband, her son Timothy Leon Powell, her parents, two sisters, Margery Cross and Clarice Curbow, two brothers, Gary and Alonzo Wilson Jr., and son-in-law, Donald Whorton. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Whorton, and her son and daughter-in-law, Reverend Jerry and Andrea Powell, all of Modesto; along with seven grandchildren and their spouses, fifteen great-grandchildren, her brother, James Wilson of Turlock, and a multitude of extended family and friends, who knew her as “Granny” and “Grandma Powell.” Sister Lela Powell went home to be with her Jesus on November 13, 2018. She was 95 years old. Her memory will be forever cherished by her family and friends, and live on through all those whose lives she touched in even the smallest of ways. FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2018
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EVANGELIST MARK DROST SPEAKS FROM THE HEART! In September we were thrilled to have Brother Mark Drost visit for a weekend. His sermon on “Kill the Choke” reminded us to not let that old serpent Satan choke us with his constrictions. We can fling him away for he has no claim on us!
Did You Know? by Jim Campbell
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was reading a religious book called Meat for Men by Leonard Ravenhill on the book of John. I wanted to share with you some of the items he wrote about concerning the fourth Gospel. Matthew corresponds to the court of Israel, Mark to the court of the priests, Luke to the court of the Gentiles; but John leads us past the veil into the Holy of Holies. Here is the inmost temple filled with the Glory of God. John’s Gospel was the last one written and John never uses the word repent once. However he wrote Revelation and uses repent seven times. The word faith is used 340 times in the New Testament, but never once is it used in John’s Gospel. Not one of the terms used for hell ( Gehenna, Tartarus, Hades) is ever used by John in his Gospel. John wrote nothing about demoniacs, is silent about lepers, seems never to have heard about children, omits all mention of scribes, ignores publicans, lists no Twelve, has not a parable in
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the whole Gospel, gives no hint of a sect called the Sadducees, and does not seem to have heard of the Sermon on the Mount. John has no mention of the temptation of Christ, or of His Transfiguration, or of His ascension. He makes nothing of the Lord’s baptism, and totally fails to mention the Gethsemane agony. The ministry of Jesus lasted more than one thousand days. John only records about 20 of them. On John’s own confession, he is writing, “that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” He uses the word believe or believed seventy-eight times in his Gospel. What we would think essential to convincing people of the deity of Jesus, John leaves out. He says the Word was made flesh; but he does not mention the virgin birth! John, then, has his own ministry, ninety-two percent of his Gospel is his own. Look at the matchless fifteenth chapter. Take your shoes off your feet and enter the seventeenth chapter. John’s business is to make majestically clear that Jesus Christ is God, and does so! Here is his very first verse in John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word (eternity), and the Word was with God (equality), and the Word was God (deity).” John 1:14 says: “and the Word (God) was made flesh, and dwelt among us (Jesus), and we beheld His Glory, the Glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and Truth.” These are just a few things in the Gospel of John that I hope you will find interesting.
A VISITATION FROM THE ELMS
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ur church was honored to have a visit from Brother Wendell and Sister Linda Elms, long time pastoring in Wichita Falls, TX. Friends for many years to the Keyes (left), they brought an anointing of old-time Pentecost to our pulpit. In the morning he preached on “The God that Breaks His Own Rules” and culminated with his evening topic, “The Cry that Cannot Be Ignored.” Brother Elms stressed the fact that Bartameus did not hesitate to cry out to Jesus for his healing. We should do the same. Our God should never be limited. He can break His own rules and deliver a miracle when we cry out to him. (left) The Elms sing an old hymn of praise. (right) They pray for Bishop Keyes.
LIFE GROUPS AIM TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY Once again Administrative Pastor Jonathan Quinones organized a Life Groups Fair to launch some new ideas to reach out to our visitors, members, and prospective new contacts. From Bible studies to a motorcycle club, our church members are encouraged to start a group of interest that includes common hobbies and pastimes. Sister Joyce Jones (left photo) has started a Mature Ladies’ Fellowship of prayer and events. At press time a prayer breakfast was planned, and Sister Sharon Keyes was the scheduled speaker at the event. FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2018
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MISSIONARY SIT-DOWN The night before the conference began, our World Missions Director Jerry Powell arranged a sit-down dinner with our young people at the home of Joshua and Jeanette Aguilera. (left photo) Missionaries Phelps and Beeks posing with Bro. Powell were invited to share their testimonies. POWERFUL FIRST NIGHT PREACHING! Pastor Rashidi Collins (above) from Florida was an original convert from a UPC church in Jamaica. His powerful sermon focused on spiritual mantles handed down from one preacher to the next, whether pastors, evangelists or missionaries. His altar call was phenomenal. He took a suit jacket belonging to Bishop Keyes and used it as symbolic mantle. (left) Our pastor had it draped on his shoulder and the congregation reached towards him in prayer. (below) The preachers line up to exemplify the passing of the Holy Ghost anointing.
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Our church was honored to have Sister Vesta Mangun from Alexandria, LA, as a guest speaker. Above she poses with her sister Nana Wenrich and left with long time friend Bishop Keyes.
tewardship Missions Conference, 2018, the 30th conference first begun by Bishop Keyes in 1989, was powerful from the first worship song to the last. The church had prayed and fasted for God to move in our midst, and in every service there was a tremendous touch of the Holy Ghost. The theme for this year’s event was “ASCEND!” FRIDAY NIGHT On Friday night we heard from several of our missionaries starting with Brother Steve Phelps, missionary to Africa. He described how the work of God is growing in the country of Nigeria despite this African nation being designated as this continent’s most terrorized nation in 2018, and the third worst only behind Iraq and Afghanistan according to africannews.com. Daily, the Phelps face the most dangerous conditions. He recalled how one of their members were kidnapped from a bus on the way to a Bible study. Miraculously, he was delivered right before he was to be killed in a sacrificial ritual in which the victim’s blood is
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drunk. Right at that moment, he started speaking in tongues, crying out the name of Jesus. The kidnappers released him! There is power in His name. We need to keep the Phelps in prayer every day as they battle against the powers of the enemy to bring the light of the gospel to Nigeria. Next we heard from Brother James Beek, missionary to the United Kingdom. In a land where the flames of revival once burned during the times of John Knox, it is now a place where religion is pushed aside. Church attendance has decreased to the level that in 2015, it was less than 5% in England and Wales, and just under 9% in Scotland, according to Faith survey.co.uk. The Apostolic people there have been praying for God to fill the emptying churches with the Gospel truth. At a recent General Conference, a large group of youth went to a McDonalds after the service. When over 100 young people started worshipping God, someone became alarmed and called the police. When the police arrived and saw the sincerity of these young Apostolics, they told them to keep on what they were doing. These zealous young people had revival right there at McDonalds, praying people through
A FRESH ANOINTING SATURDAY NIGHT! (above photo) The house was filled to capacity the second night of the conference. (right, clockwise) BrotherThomas Chacko gives thanks to the congregation for his opportunity to be with us. Pastor Elias Limones smiles for the camera for he is always welcomed to visit. Also visiting the conference District Superintendent Mark Morgan having a light moment with Bishop Keyes. Sister Vesta Mangun poses with her sisters in the Lord, Sister Sharon Keyes, and Sister Bobby Shoemake. Our pastor’s son-in-law, Brother Taylor Fairbanks, opens the service with a powerful welcome of history and scripture, and finally, our speaker, Pastor Jerry Dean preaches on the legacy of giving!
to the Holy Ghost. Someone posted a video of that night, and a political leader in Wales called and said, “Next time you folks come to this city, you will have the keys!” Brother Beek said, “We believe God will give us a revival like we’ve never seen before!” After the choir led the congregation in worship, Rashidi Collins, Pastor of New Life Tabernacle in Tampa, Florida, came to the podium. He spoke of the transfer of anointing between Elijah and Elisha, and how we need that today. He spoke of the great men of God who have moved on to their reward and how we need the anointing that was on them to be passed on to our generation. We need to take on their mantle of prayer, fasting, holiness, and sacrifice. Generations must work together. “The devil hates it when generations work together,” he said. He said the anointing is always looking for someone to work through and goes from generation to generation. “If you don’t want it bad enough,” he said, “the anointing will look for someone who really wants it.” Brother Collins ended the service by having Bishop Randy Keyes, Pastor Johnson, Reverend Aaron Gomez, and a child laying hands in prayer on each one in a succession to demonstrate the passing
of the mantle of anointing to each generation. He did the same with Sister Sharon Keyes, Sister Kim Johnson, Sister Kiah Williams, and a child. Sister Vesta Mangun ended the service with the powerful, anointed words of a time-tested prayer warrior. SATURDAY NIGHT When the service began on Saturday night, the church was filled with anticipation. The spirit of God moved once again in the worship service as the choir ministered with “Hay Poder En Tu Nombe, Jesus,” and “When We Call Your Name.” The first missionary to speak was Pastor Robert Rodriguez from Ensenada, Mexico. “We talk about drug cartels, homicides and all kinds of evil, but let me tell you about Mexico,” he said. “We have more than 100,000 saved with more than 1000 churches.” Brother Thomas Drost, the General Superintendent, has given them the goal of winning one million souls for God. “If you love Mexico,” said Brother Rodriguez, “pray for Mexico because there is great revival there!”
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WHAT A MORNING SERVICE! Traditionally, Sunday morning service of the conference is carried by the ladies. (lefi) Sister Yvette Phelps gives an exciting report of bearing the burden with her husband in the country of Nigeria. She focuses on the joy and fulfillment of making a difference for Christ’s kingdom. Her slide of a convert enhanced her report. (right) Every year money rains from above as the church takes a special offering for the missionary children. (below) The choir and its leaders are to be commended for rehearsing weeks before for a fresh anointing in every service. Brother Matt Aguirre and Sister Kellee Hopper presented new songs for the choir, many of them suggested by Sister Kim Johnson. Sister MaKayla Johnson and Sister Lauren Hunt sing a duet, backed up by the choir! A MOTHER OF ISRAEL SPEAKS THE WORD! Sister Vesta Mangun was the morning speaker, and what an anointing she had, encouraging us to stand up to Satan and not allow him to steal our children and grandchildren for himself. There is a great power when we call on the name of Jesus! (above, left) She prays with or pastor’s and bishop’s wives. (left) Our pastor prays fervently at the altar!
Following Brother Rodriguez was North American missionary, Brother Jesus Magallanes. He has labored in Escondido, California for just over a year. When they started a work in this city located 30 miles northwest of San Diego, the only members were their own family. They had no music for their worship services, so his wife Darlene took lessons and started playing for services after only her second lesson. His daughter started learning the drums, and now plays the piano, drums, guitar and sings for services. His son is the bass player. In a little over a year, they went from having services with just their family to now having a church congregation of approximately 55 people. “God is doing something great in Escondido!” He exclaimed. “I believe God is going to give us great revival!” Next we heard from Brother Stephen and Sister Erma Judd from Tupelo Children’s Mansion. For 65 years, the mansion has cared for more than 3500 children. Presently they have 48 children and will soon have 65. More than a dozen children from foreign countries have been placed with them due to failed international adoptions and other reasons. The children’s stories were heartbreaking, but hopeful since most children placed at Tupelo receive the Holy Ghost. May God bless this tremendous ministry and through the generosity of God’s people may these children experience God’s love in action. After the choir sang “Hallelujah, I’m Not Alone,” Brother Jerry Dean, Pastor of The Pentecostals of Bossier City, Louisiana, spoke. He began by telling the church about his father who was a disabled veteran who found God in a brush arbor meeting,
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became a preacher, and baptized hundreds in Jesus’ name. “He could pray for anyone,” said Brother Dean, “and they would receive the Holy Ghost.” He told the congregation that a few days before his father died, he knelt before him and asked his father for his mantle. The title of his sermon was “The Dance of Deliverance,” His text was Jesus’ parable about the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. The parable’s intended audience according to Brother Dean, was the Pharisees who were gathered to listen and criticize Jesus. He knew how intently they would search for that lost sheep, or lost coin, or lost son, and he wanted them to know that this was his purpose, he came to seek and to save that which was lost. He said if we are going to do any dancing in church, “we need to dance for that man and woman who did not even know they were lost before God got a hold of them.” When Brother Dean gave the altar call, people flooded the altar. Many worked their way around those praying in order to get as close to the front as possible. From the first note of the worship service, a tremendous moving of the spirit was felt, arms lifted, tears flowing, saints dancing in joy and worship. SUNDAY MORNING Singing “He Knows My Name,” the choir again led the church into heart-felt worship. We then heard from Sister Yvette Phelps, missionary to Nigeria. She spoke how when she was a little girl, she prayed that God would not send her to Nigeria after hearing frightening stories
of the country. God had other plans. “That scared little girl that was afraid to go,” she said, “now is excited to go back.” She confirmed all those terrifying stories were true, and spoke of the important of praying for the missionaries out in the field. She spoke of times when they were in danger, when she felt prayer covering them. “Don’t ever think your prayers don’t count for anything. They come down on a missionary in trouble.” She ended with the powerful words, “I want to be raptured in the missionary field!” An elder, but powerfully anointed, Sister Vesta Mangun stepped to the pulpit. She and her husband, Brother G.A. Mangun, pastored The Pentecostals of Alexandria for many years, before turning the church over to their son Anthony and his wife Mickey. Though her husband is now with the Lord and she is 92 years old, Sister Vesta still preaches with the same fire and anointing. “My body is a warfare instrument!” she declared as she began preaching. She spoke of the devil’s fight against us. His goal, she said, is to destroy your church, your home, and your children. But, she stated, “the devil is a defeated foe! She warned that if we do not fight with everything we have, especially Jesus’ name with His blood, we will lose. “He will not stop until he’s destroyed every family in his path,” she said. She stressed the importance of waring against the devil by praying in tongues. “There’s nothing that can stand before you if you know who you are.” PRAY! SUNDAY NIGHT The first home missionary we heard from was Brother Alex Orozco, who has a “granddaughter work” in South Sacramento. He is spiritual son of Brother Joel Espinoza who pastors the Salida daughter work. He has baptized 50 souls so far. “I believe God is going to give us greater revival,” he exclaimed.
Next we heard from Brother Ron Roberts, who is building a work in Mesquite, Nevada. He said his church, although small and growing, has a burden for missions. He stressed, “You can’t out give the Lord.” Brother Roberts was followed by Brother Chacko Thomas who oversees 52 churches in India. His goal is to have over 100 churches. Although they have many churches Apostolic churches in the Mumbai area, few have buildings. Some churches worship under trees, and during the rainy season have no services until it is over. There is a great need in India for buildings, for Bibles, and for teachers in the Bible School he oversees. Our final speaker for this year’s Missions Conference was again Brother Jerry Dean. The title of his message was “Do You Burn?” He told several stories of Christians who burned with a burden for the lost. When we hear about the needs around the world, what are we going to do about it? God wants us to be conduits. He said there are seven things he includes during his prayer time everyday. One of those is he prays that his congregation will be able to build seven Bible colleges. His congregation has already built the William H. Dean Memorial Bible College in Nicaragua. They are already on their way to this new goal, building Bible Schools in such countries such as Mexico and Papua New Guinea. “I pray everyday, let me be the answer to somebody’s prayer.” With hearts touched by the words of Brother Dean and all the other missionaries and pastors who spoke, the altars were filled with members making their way to lay their sacrificial offerings on the altar. Will we be willing to be conduits, sacrificing not only our finances, but also our time, energy, and talents for the kingdom of God? If not now, when? To all who helped our pastor and his wife, our church expresses a deep gratitude for your time and sacrifice. Our Lord Jesus bless you!
THE FINAL DYNAMIC NIGHT! The last night of conference culminates the great gathering for the purpose to give sacrificially to missions. (top, left, clockwise) Home Missions Pastor Bryan Patterson gives two thumbs up acknowledging his church is experiencing revival and growth in the city of Concord, CA. The Johnsons lead by example to give with sacrifice. The Rochesters follow with their offering. After giving, The Loftus family pray for one another. Brother Lonnie Loftus was one of many who volunteered his time and effort to help our pastor prep for the conference with his expertise. Pastor Dean surprises the choir and Brother Joshua Aguilera when he joins the singers. Director Stephen Judd of Tupelo Children’s Mansion and his wife Sister Erma excites the congregation with their report of our organization’s orphanage and the need for us to support the children.
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Missionary Prayer List Global
North American
Steve Phelps - Africa
Brian Patterson - Concord
Chacko Thomas - India
James Beek - Scotland, UK
Robert Rodriguez - Mexico 12
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Ron Roberts - Mesquite City, NV
Jesus Magallanes - Escondido, CA
Alex Orozco - Sacramento
We’ve Got the Victory!
“For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ ascends to God for his glory.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2018
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CONTINUED MORE GROWTH TRACK GRADS! Brother Dana Le Blanc again had graduates from our Growth Track Ministry, an intense Bible study of our church doctrine spanning several weeks of meetings. Here they are holding proudly their certificates of completion. Congratulations graduates!
B.U.F.F. Stays Active for the Sisters of Our Church!
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nce again B.U.F.F Director Herb Jenkins organized the elders above 50 to do an annual favor for the single ladies of our church. One Saturday in November is devoted to having the ladies bring their vehicles to our church parking lot where their engines and oil are checked, and tires are inflated, and the car washed. Coupons are also provided for further maintenance. (Clockwise from top left) Brother Jenkins supervises and gets his hands wet washing a car; Sister Patty is informed by the mechanics what they have done to make her automobile smooth driving; the ladies retreat to coffee and donuts in the church foyer; Sister Rachel Jenkins poses with the Torreses whom she invited, not only for the car service, but to church the next day; (left photos) To plan this event, the BUFF men met at Brother Leo Aguilera’s home where he and Brother Leo Gomez prepared a great dinner for the fellowship.
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Brother Jon Quinones Retires as Student Pastor The church recently recognized Brother Jon Quinones for his ten years as Student Pastor at Revival Center. Sister Jasmine Deanda, Noah Wells, and Timothy Burciago (pictured below) praised his leadership and thanked Brother Jon for his many years of support for the youth. Pastor Johnson has elevated Brother Quinones to the position of Administrative Pastor. Taking over the youth going forward are Youth Leaders, Josh and Jeannette Aguilera who have worked with the young people under Brother Jon for many years. Thank you, Brother Jon for you dedication and burden.
Jasmine Deanda
Noah Wells
Timothy Burciago
Jon and his family are honored.
Josh and Jeannette Aguilera
The Church Honors Our Pastor and His Family
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n November, the church honored Pastor Todd Johnson, his wife Kim, and daughter MaKayla for Pastor Appreciation Month. The photo top right shows how moved our pastor was with the recognition. We have been blessed to have such an outstanding man as Pastor Johnson leading our church. He and his family have sacrificed many hours of service for Revival Center. We love and appreciate you all! FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2018
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(Editor’s Note: In our last issue, The Newsvine gave the testimony of Sister Suman Narayan. Now read the testimony of her husband, our new resident missionary to India and the Fiji Islands. He receives the mantle from our faithful Brother Uday Narayan who for many years undertook many journeys to the Fiji Islands and India spreading the gospel on behalf of our church. Now they will. Read and be inspired!)
PART II THE TESTIMONY OF BROTHER RAVIND NARAYAN
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A MODEST START
rother Ravind is the son of Brother Bhoop and Sister Uthura Narayan. He was born in October of 1969 on Waila, a rural community of Nausori on the main island of Fiji. His father was a farmer and a carpenter. Brother Bhoop would grow leafy vegetables such as bok choy as a cash crop on his leased land, as well as build and repair houses. He would grow different crops all year round. His mother was a homemaker. The Narayans had a modest income and lived a simple life. Sister Uthura’s stove was a set of bricks outside the home, heated over a fire. She grew her own herbs and cooked the food they cultivated as food was too expensive to buy in the market. Typical meals consisted of bananas, coconuts, and dalo which is like a yam. Ravind’s mother loved flowers and decorated their home with beautiful marigolds and hibiscus. She also stitched old clothing together to make things such as door mats. A devoted Hindu, Brother Bhoop read most of the Hindu religious books and filled his home with religious pictures and idols of brass and silver. He even made a room in his home dedicated for prayer which he filled with these religious artifacts. Brother Ravind was the oldest child. As houses were far apart, he spent his time at home either helping his parents or playing with his siblings. He remembers climbing tall coconut trees, “We had no choice,” he said. “There were times we had no food.” Coconuts were a source of nourishment for the poor. “To this day,” he said, “I am afraid of heights.” When he was young, the children would play in the trees, jumping from tree to tree. Remarkably, none were ever injured. School was over an hour’s walk one way, and Ravind would faithfully trod that distance by foot to the Methodist school he attended. Concerned about the compulsory scripture lessons they taught, Ravind consulted his father for his approval. He told Ravind, “Yes, Jesus is the god of the white people. We have our own gods. Our gods are more powerful. The Christian God is only 2,000 years old.” He cautioned his son about saying anything bad about the Christian god, so Ravind would obediently listen to the Bible teaching.
A WITNESS APPEARS Ravind remembers when he was about 14 years old. A woman from a local gospel church would occasionally come to their house to bring them flyers, tell them stories about Jesus, and invite them to church. Ravind showed interest as he was familiar with the verses because they had learned the same ones in school. She started bringing Ravind Bible lessons weekly for him to learn. She invited Ravind to come to her church that was three miles from their home. Ravind became anxious, certain that his father would object. Ravind’s father overheard the conversation
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Here with their parents are the Narayan children. Can you guess who are Ravind, Atish, and Prenesh? and asked “Is she wanting you to go to church?” Ravind was surprised when his father suggested that both Ravind and Atish could go. “But how will we go,” Ravind asked remembering the distance. The woman quickly volunteered to come by car and pick them up for church. The gospel church was in a rented hall. The adults had their services inside, and the children had their services outside on benches under a coconut tree. Ravind enjoyed himself as the songs they sang were the same ones he had learned in his school. When they arrived home, Brother Bhoop asked Ravind how he enjoyed going to church. When Ravind told his father that he liked it, his dad said, “You guys can go back again the following Sunday.” In fact, this time, Ravind’s father went to church as well. They all sat in the adult service in the hall. When the service was over, they noticed another church setting up for their 1:00 service. Brother Bhoop was curious and approached the men in charge.
AN ORDAINED TWIST OF FATE This is when God changed everything for the Narayan family. God had seen the hunger in Brother Bhoop’s heart as he spent hours praying in his special room dedicated to prayer. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled! Brother Bhoop approached one of the men, a preacher from the United States named Uday Narayan. Immediately Elder Uday Narayan asked Ravind’s father if he had been baptized. “No,” Brother Bhoop replied, “this is the first time we’ve come to church.” Sensing a hungry heart, Elder Narayan set up an appointment that Tuesday to come to Ravind’s house to talk. When he arrived, Brother Bhoop opened up his heart to the preacher. “I am a Hindu,” he said. “We worship many gods, and we are sick in our bodies.” He was frustrated because, although they had prayed to their gods and had even called on the witchdoctors for help, they were not cured. Ravind’s mother suffered from terrible migraine headaches, Atish had chronic sores on his feet, Ravind’s grandmother who lived with them had asthma, and Ravind was very ill with a heart condition. Ravind’s father had a bad habit of escaping life’s problems by smoking kava, which brings on a drowsiness. Elder Narayan explained that they had a sin problem that must be taken care of first. He told them they needed to repent of their sins, be baptized in
Jesus’ name, and receive the Holy Ghost. As they listened to Elder Narayan’s teaching about sin and salvation, God started making them feel conviction. Brother Narayan invited them to the next Apostolic service.
A REVELATION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! When they attended the Pentecostal service, Ravind thought the worship was too wild. Everything was so strange. They sang English songs he had never head before, and he longed to attend the gospel church under the coconut tree that was familiar. Bhoop, however, was hungry, and wanted to go to Elder Narayan’s service. When Elder Narayan came to their home again, he taught them more about water baptism. “If you are not baptized,” he said, “you are not saved, and you do not have God’s protection.” They asked Elder Narayan, “How much does it cost us to get baptized?” In the Hindu religion, you have to pay for priestly service and favor. Elder Narayan assured them it was free. There was a nearby creek filled with weeds. Ravind’s father asked, “Can we be baptized in the creek? I want to be baptized.” As they lined up at the creek to be baptized, Elder Narayan’s wife who came with him for this visit spoke to Ravind’s mother. “I don’t want to be baptized,” she said. “This is not our religion.” She finally relented, and the whole family was baptized, with Ravind being the first. “I felt very light in my spirit,” said Ravind, “when I was baptized. Miraculously once they were baptized, they all were healed! Their symptoms of illness disappeared! Convinced of the power of his new faith, Bhoop removed all the idols from his home. They were Christians now. On Sunday, Elder Narayan told them that they could not go to any other churches because now they had the truth. When they arrived early for the 1:00 UPC service at the rented hall, members of the other gospel church were still there. Angrily the pastor complained to Elder Narayan that he had stolen his sheep. Elder Narayan answered back, “They are not your sheep, they are God’s sheep.” The newly baptized family attended the Apostolic service and worshipped. Now that Ravind was baptized, he felt different. Their whole lives changed. They would read five Bible chapters every day, as well as wake up for an hour of prayer at 5:00 each morning. To this day Ravind and his wife kept that commitment. Elder Narayan told them they must pray on their knees in their living room so they would not fall asleep while praying. Ravind and his family started praying for the Holy Ghost. A month after being baptized, Ravind was overjoyed to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. He started earnestly reading the Good News Bible. He was so hungry, that one day he stayed home from school and read the entire New Testament. “While I was reading,” he said, “God was speaking to me.” Ravind’s family received the Holy Ghost as well, and they started learning more about their new faith by studying the Search for Truth lessons Brother Uday Narayan had provided them.
United States. They had spent a year in Fiji preaching and witnessing. Elder Narayan told the Narayans that when he went back to Modesto, they would have to preach this gospel, bring in more people, and build a church. Slowly people started coming to the church. They had one family start attending who were members of a Methodist church for 26 years. More people started coming. The Narayans shared their testimony of healing and conversion. The Narayans had services with Pastor Levi, the UPC preacher of their town and had Tuesday night Bible studies in their home. In the next few years, Brother Bhoop started a church in his house. In 1987, they erected a big shed in their front yard for services. It was at this time that Brother Randy Keyes and his wife Sister Sharon Keyes came to visit the works in Fiji that Brother Narayan had started. The Keyes saw they had five faithful families attending their church. The Lord continued to bless the family and Brother Bhoop Narayan’s ministry. They were blessed financially, obtained a building, and acquired a van to transport new converts to the church.
A YOUNG GIRL JOINS THEIR CHURCH Sister Suman started attending the Narayan’s church. Brother Ravind immediately noticed her. He was eager to drive Suman and her family home from church services as she, the eldest sibling, sat up front with Ravind and Atish. They would also have opportunities after church for fellowship at the Narayan’s home. Suman admits she knew Ravind was interested in her from the first day they met. The two of them would work at the church together, do Bible studies, and clean up after services. People would tease them. After one of the ladies in the church told Suman that Ravind was interested in her, they began talking. He was the first boy to like her, but she did not have feelings for him because in their culture marriages were arranged and relationships must have parental approval. They continued talking for six months during which he was a great comfort to her after her father died. One day after church, Suman came home and her mother told her that she needed to get married or stop talking. Sister Suman started praying and fasting for God’s will. She was eighteen; Ravind was nineteen. One month later after their parents talked and agreed to the match, the two of them felt it was God’s will for them to marry. Brother Ravind told her, “We will marry, have a church, and work for God.” They were married by General Superintendent Leroy Sherry. Suman’s relatives did not join her family to attend the marriage, but the church members attended the joyful occasion. Today Brother Ravind and Sister Suman are members of Revival Center, Modesto, and are being used by God. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless their missionary work for His kingdom.! AMEN!
WITNESSES FOR THE TRUTH! The Narayans had to walk three miles to the church no matter the weather as they did not own a car. It was a challenge because they had to wear a necktie and a white shirt and had to carry a Bible. Ravind’s father would hide his Bible wrapped in newspaper to hide it because he knew his neighbors would be upset that they left the Hindu faith. However, they could not hide their conversion for long and the persecution began. People would yell at Brother Ravind and his family as they faithfully marched the long trek to the church service. Every Tuesday night the Narayans started having Bible studies at their home. Their neighbors stopped coming to their church because they were Christians. “They would not even drink water at our house,” Ravind said. Soon it was time for Elder Narayan and his family to return to the
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The Newsvine
REVIVAL CENTER United Pentecostal Church of Modesto 825 7th Street Modesto, CA 95354
Congratulations to newlyweds, Stephen and Florence Athol who were recently married at our church. May God bless and keep the Athols in His love and care.
Congratulations to newlyweds, Jonathan and Deisy Campbell who were recently married in November at Vintage Gardens. Brother Jon gives credit to The Newsvine for bringing them together when he read her testimony of faith.
The Athols
The Campbells
